Tiled wall



Dc. 13,' 1938. HSA. MEYRICK 2J39905 y l TILED WALL Filed oct. so, 1957 2 sheetssheet 1 DeC- 13, 1933- H. A. MEYRICK 2,139,905

v TILED WALL y Filedpct. so, leaf/v 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Dec. 13, 1938 UNITED STATES @ATENT OFFECE Y 11 Claims.

The invention relates to tile walls providing either the exterior or interior faces of buildings and other structures, and more particularly it relates but is not limited to walls of the type t frequently used in bathrooms and other locations wherein it is the practice to hang or mount projecting loadv bearing fixtures such, for example, as towel' racks and recessed fixtures such as soap containers and the like. l0" Vitried` clay tiles have been most frequently used as a facing for such walls, and the proper installation of such tiles involves a sequence of operations which are time-consuming and also expensive since the setting of the tiles can propverly be done only by skilled labor. The erection of vitried clay tile walls usually includes the fastening of metal or other forms of lathr to a wall to be covered, and coating the lath with cement mortar to providel a base or body. A coating of sand' and cement mortar is applied to the base ait'er'it is hardened, the coating being roughened or scratched and permitted to set. coating has set, another coating of pure cement mortar iS applied and a smooth plane surface is produced by means of a float. The tiles are then successively buttered on their backs and edges with hydraulic or other suitable cement and set against the wall, extreme care being required to position the tiles in correct relative positions and spacings. The work having been completed, with the walls and tiles intact, the hanging or mounting of fixtures requires chipping or cutting away ofthe tiles and back Wall to provide suitable apertures to receive the fixtures and mortar or other anchoring means, all of which adds substantially to the cost.

Another construction less commonly used comprises tiles of sheet metal' coatedr with vitreous enamel and having rearwardly extending marginal flanges. Instead of using aV multiple layer of mortar and lath as above described, a layer of fibrous material such as Celotex is used as a backing for the tiles. The backing material or sheets are providedwith grooves to receive the fianges of the tiles which are successively cemented to the grooved sheets using a special plastic cement and their proper positioning and spacing is a matter of mere mechanical routine. The use of brous material as a backing for tiles is objectionable in that such material is injuriously affected by moisture. ed as anV anchor or support for projecting load carrying fixtures such as towel racks and the like since the flbrous'materiall has insufficient struc- 'tural strength toy resist the forces which may When this The fibrous material is not adapt-v (Cl. 'l2-18) foregoing described methods contributes sub- 10"' stantially to their cost, and it is an object of the invention to provide tile Walls of novel construction having none of the foregoing objectionable features, and which are adapted to be erected at relatively low costs for labor and materials. lo`v Another object of the invention is the provision of tile Walls and a novel method of erecting the same whereby not only standard shaped tiles, but also fixtures or special fixture-bearing tiles may be installed and the walls be completed 20 with a minimum expenditure of time and labor.

A further object of the invention is the provision of tile walls of novel construction requiring no'special anchoring devices to support projecting fixtures or special load-bearing tiles such 25 as fixtures for supporting towel racks or the, like.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of improvements in the method or" erecting Walls faced with tiles of the kind described whereby all rearwardly projecting por- 30 tions of the fixtures and tiles are embedded in and becomes an integral part of a back wall b-y forming the latter after the fixtures and tiles are placed in position.

Still another object of the invention is the pro- 35- vision of a tile wall which is durable, inexpensive, simple, easily assembled and satisfactory for its intended purpose.

Many other advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled-in the art from the disclosure herein given. To this end the invention consists in the novel arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and the novel method of assembly and construction as described and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring now to the drawings forming part of the specification and' representing one embodiment ofthe invention:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a portion of a` tile wall embodying the principles of the invention; Y

Fig. 2r is a. perspective view of a tile providing rearwardly projecting; selectively positioned elements by means of which it is accurately positioned on the face of and securely anchored to a back wall; v

Fig. 3 is a sectional view along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 drawn to a larger scale; and

Fig. 4 is a View of a fragmentary portion of an open or reticulated metal sheet forming a portion of a back wall and from which the tiles are suspended before or simultaneously with the formation of the back wall in which the sheet is embedded.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the numeral lli generally designates an open or reticulated metal sheet commonly known as expanded metal and comprising a plurality of narrow uniformly spaced strips or strands Il, certain of the strands extending diagonally in one direction and others extending diagonally in the opposite direction, the ends of contiguous strands being integral with elements or bonds l2, such strands and bonds forming boundaries for a plurality of generally diamond-shaped openings E3. The bonds l2 are preferably elongated transversely of the sheet iii and are exactly positioned and aligned relatively to each other to provide a plurality or longitudinal and transverse rows. The bonds l2 comprising alternate longitudinal rows are staggered. relative to the bonds comprising adjacent longitudinal rows, and the bonds comprising alternate transverse rows are similarly staggered relative to the bonds comprising adjacent transverse rows. Longitudinal lines intersection each row of bonds at their centers are straight, equally spaced from each other, and parallel. Likewise, the transverse lines intersecting each row of bonds at their centers are straight, parallel and equally spaced.

While the drawings show the open or reticulated metal sheet ill as being what is known to the trade as expanded metal, it is to be understood that the invention contemplates the use of any suitable form of open or reticulated metal webs providing oppositely extending strands having contiguous portions connected by bonds which are staggered and equally spaced in horizontal and vertical'rows as above described, and that the term open or reticulated metal sheet is hereafter used to broadly designate either expanded metal or any other construction wherein a plurality of oppositely extending strands or strips are connected at their points of intersection by bonds or elements having the relative positions orn the bonds of an expanded metal sheet.

A section of a vertical bathroom wall embodying the principles of the invention is shown in Fig. 3 as comprising a body of cement l5 in which the metal sheets l are embedded. The cement l5 is shown as positioned adjacent an existing building wall or structure which may be of frame, cement, masonry or any other suitable construction and the portion shown in the drawings illustrates a plurality of spaced apart vertical studs I6. In erecting the tile wall as shown, a layer of suitable material Il is positioned over the studs to provide the Vside wall of a form for the cement I5. The sole purpose of the material Il is to reduce the amount of cement necessary, and if the adjacent wall provides a plane surface, the layer of material Il may be omitted as the existing Wall will serve as a form. The metal sheets lil are then positioned as shown with the longitudinal rows of bonds l2 extending vertically. The metal sheets l@ are spaced from theV layer of material I1 by shims i9 positioned at suitable intervals contiguous to the studs it. The shims I9 are shown as connected to the studs l5 by a nail 2U having its projecting end bent to engage a strand Il, the thickness of the shims being adjusted to maintain the desired position of the sheets iii. Should the adjacentbuilding wall be of masonry or similar construction not suitable for engagement by nails, the shims I9 may be connected with the wall by screws, bolts or any other suitable anchoring means.

The existing wall or a portion thereof having Ybeen covered as described by an open or reticulated metal sheet or sheets le, the latter are then covered by a plurality of tiles 2l, one of which is shown in perspective in Fig. 2. The tiles 2l comprise sheet metal preferably stamped to provide a plane surface bounded by inturned marginal flanges, the top flange providing a plurality of rearwardly extending suspension elements or members 22 and the end flanges each preierabiy providing an equal number of hooklilie rearwardly extending suspension elements or members 23. All portions of the tiles are preferably coated Witth suitable vitreous enamel in the usual manner to prevent rusting and toy provide smooth glossy surfaces of .anydesired tint or tints.

The spacing and number of the rearwardly extending members 22 on Veach standard tile 2| is shown as corresponding to the number and spacing of the bonds l2 in a transverse roW which are covered by the top of the tile, but if' preferred, certain of the members may be omitted and the resulting larger spacings of the members are multiples of the transverse bond spacings. r'he width of the members 22 is such that when positioned upon the upper edges of the bonds l2, the strands il prevent longitudinal movement of the tiles. The number and spacing of the members 23 on each end of a standard tile El respectively corresponds tolthe number and spacing of the bonds i2 in a vertical row overlapped by the'ends of the tile, the members being so positioned relative to the horizontal edges of the tile that kthe lower edge of each member rests upon the top edge of a bond l2 when the tile is suspended from the sheet with the members 22 resting upon a transversely extending roW of bonds. Certain of the end members 23 may be omitted if desired, providing the spacing of the remainder is equal to a multiple or the vertical spacing or the bonds. may be necessary to out away one end of the lower edge oi some of the tiles to nt restricted spaces, it is desirable that none of the members 22 or 23 be omitted from the standard tiles.

The tiles 2l are successively mounted on the metal sheet i@ starting at any suitable point. Mounting of the tiles on the metal sheet I is accomplished by simply inserting the members 22 and 23 through the corresponding spacings i3 above the bonds l2 and permitting the members to engage the bonds with the flanges of the tiles abutting the sheet. The members 22 and 23 are inclined downwardly and the tiles 2l are thereby maintained by ,gravity with their ilanges abutting the sheet It. projecting hooked ends of the members 23 prevent the tiles from moving awayfrom the metal sheet i under the pressure from the cement l5 when subsequently applied.

The over-all dimensions of the tiles 2l are Since it The downwardly Y such that narrow spacings are provided between the contiguous edges of adjacent tiles when suspended as described. The tiles may be set to break joints equally as shown, in which case, the vertical. spacings are staggered, and this equal staggering requires that there be an even number of equally spaced members 22 on each tile. The described spacing, and position of the members 22 and 23, respectively, on each ltile also adapts the tilesI to be mounted on the sheet IB- inv unequal staggered position or with the vertical joints in alignment if desired.

The tiles 2| are adapted to be cut off at their lower edges or at either end to fit restricted spaces at the ends or corners of the wall. The remnants of the tiles thus cut away at one end or at the lower edge or both have a suflicient number of the members 22 and 23 to provide adequate support and anchorage.

The tiles 2l having been suspended from the sheet. IU as described, the space between the tiles and' the form material l1 is lled with cement I5 to form a wall in which the sheet I0 and the members 22 and 23 are embedded. The cement I5 is preferably made sufficiently thin or plastic that it will readily work through the apertures I3 in the sheet IB and completely ll the open spaces. betwen the tiles and sheet, or, as an alternative, the cement may be less plastic and a portion thereof placed on the backs of the tiles as a preliminary to their suspension from the sheet in which case, the space between the sheet lil.l and the form Il will be filled with cement to completely embed the sheet and the members 22 and 23. The sheet IU not only provides a. support for the tiles, but also reinforces the wall I5. If the tiles 2| are mounted on the sheet I0 beginning at the bottom and working up, the cement l1 may be positioned back of the tiles from time to time before all are in place, or the application of the cement may be postponed until al1 the tiles are in place. As a final step, the spaces between the tiles 2l are pointed with cement or other suitable material to provide smooth ornate appearing joints.

A special tile 24, providing a mounting for one end of a towel rack 25, is shown in section in Fig. 3. The tile 24 is illustrated as having the same dimensions as the standard tile 2| and is otherwise similar except that it is provided with an aperture bounded by an outwardly projecting flange 26 with which the towel rack is connected by Welding or any other suitable means. 'Ihe tile 24 is typical of numerous constructions which may be provided for attachment of load-bearing xtures such as towel racks and the like. No special work or cutting away of tiles or back walls is required in installing projecting fixtures since the sheet I and the wall I5 provide anchorage adapting the tile 24 to withstand any load or force to which the fixture may be subjected. While the typical special tile 24 is illustrated as supporting a towel rack, obviously, any special tile having marginal members similar to the members 22 and 23 may be recessed to adapt it for use as a soap container or the like, the recessed tile being supported by the members 22 and 23, and the sheet cut away to receive the recessed portion if necessary.

Thus, it will be seen that I have provided a tile wall of novel construction which is durable, inexpensive, and provides adequate anchorage for tiles and fixtures that may be hung or mounted therein, and that I have also provided a novel method of er-ecting a tile wall whereby the wall may be rapidly and inexpensively constructed.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I d0 not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by- Letters Patent is:

1. A tile wall comprising an open or recticulated metal sheet consisting of a plurality of strand and connecting bond elements arranged tov provide a uniform pattern, a plurality of tiles each having a plurality of rearwardly extending suspension members respectively spaced and positioned to correspond to the spacing and position of selected elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area, said tiles being suspended from the sheet bypositioning said members respectively resting on the upper edgeV of the selected bond elements, and a backing of molded material in which said sheet and suspension members are embedded.

2. A tile wall comprising an open or reticulated metal sheet consisting of a plurality of strands arranged in a plurality of intersecting lines, bond elements connecting the strands in the areas defined by the intersection of said lines, a front facing for the wall comprising a plurality of tiles of uniform length and width` each having a plurality of rearwardly extending hook-shaped members spaced to correspond to the spacing o-f selected bonds in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area, said tiles being suspended from the sheet by positioning said members on said selected bond elements with the tiles abutting the front of said sheet, the extremities of said members being respectively adapted to engage the rear edges of the bond elements when the tiles abut the sheet, and a backing of cementitious material in which said sheet and supporting members are embedded.

3. A tile wall comprising an open or recticulated metal sheet consisting of a plurality of strand and bond elements arranged to provide a uniform pattern, a plurality of tiles each having a plurality of rearwardly extending downwardly inclined suspension members spaced to correspond to the spacing of selected elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area, said tiles being suspended from the sheet by respectively engaging said members with the upper edge of the selected bond elements, and a backing of cement or mortar in which said sheet and supporting members are embedded.

4. A tile wall comprising a sheet of expanded metal providing a plurality of strand and connecting bond elements arranged to provide a uniform pattern, a plurality of tiles suspended from and forming a cover for the sheet, said tiles each having a plurality of rearwardly extending suspension members spaced and positioned to correspond to the spacing of selected elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area, said members projecting through the sheet and respectively resting upon said selected elements, the position and spacing of the supporting members relative to the others and to the bounding edges of the tiles being such that said suspended tiles are uniformly spaced and positioned relative to contiguous tiles, and a backing of cementitious material in which said sheet and suspension members are embedded.

5. A tile wall comprising a vertically extending CII sheet 'of' expanded metal providing a plurality of strand and connecting bond elements arranged to provide a uniform pattern, a plurality of tiles forming a cover for the sheet, said tiles each having a plurality of rearwardly extending suspension members so spaced and positioned that their lower edges are respectively adapted to rest upon selected elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area, 'some of said suspension members projecting through the sheet and providing extensions engaging the inner edges of the elements upon which the members respectively rest, the position and spacing of the members being such that the suspended tiles are uniformly spaced and positioned relative to contiguous tiles, and a wall of cement or mortar in which said sheet and members are embedded.

6. A wall tile for suspension from an open or reticulated metal sheet comprising a plurality of strand and connecting bond elements spaced and arranged to provide a uniform pattern, a plurality of suspension members projecting from one face of the tile and so spaced and positioned that their lower edges are respectively adapted to rest `upon selected elements in an area of the sheet corresponding tothe tile area.

'7. A wall tile for suspension from an open or reticulated metal sheet comprising a plurality of strand and connecting bond elements spaced and arranged to provide a uniform pattern, a plurality of suspension members projecting substantially perpendicularly from one face of the tile and all so spaced and positioned that their lower edges are respectively adapted to rest upon bond elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area, said lower edges each being inclined to the tile at an angle less than ninety degrees.

8. A wall tile for suspension from an open or reticulated metal sheet comprising a plurality oi strand and connecting bond elements, a plurality of suspension members projecting from one face of the tile Vand all so spaced and positioned that they are respectively adapted to rest upon selected elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to the tile area, the extremities of some of said members being hook shaped and adapted to engage the rear edges of the elements on which they respectively rest when the tile abuts the sheet.A

9. A Wall tile for suspension from an open or reticulated metal sheet comprising a plurality of strands and a plurality of horizontally extending bond elements equally spaced in horizontal rows to provide a sheet of uniform pattern, said tile providing a plurality of inwardlyprojecting and downwardly inclined suspension members arranged in a horizontal row, the spacing of said members corresponding to the spacing of selected bond elements in a horizontal row in an area of the sheet corresponding to a tile area.

10. VA wall tile for suspension from an open or reticulated metal sheet providing a plurality of horizontally extending bond elements equally spaced in parallel vertical rows, said tile providing a plurality of downwardly inclined suspension members projecting from one face and arranged in two parallel rows, the spacing of said members in each row corresponding to the vertical spacing of selected bond elements in a vertical row and the spacing of said parallel rows corresponding substantially to the spacing of two selected vertical rows of bond elements in a sheet area corresponding to a tile area.

11. A wall tile for suspension from anopen or reticulated metal sheet providing a plurality of horizontally extending bond elements equally spaced in vertical rows, said tile comprising a plate having rearwardly extending marginal flanges and a plurality of 'suspension members projecting rearwardly from two opposite ilanges, the spacing of said members along said flanges corresponding to the vertical spacing of selected bond elements in an area of the sheet corresponding to the tile area, whereby the tile is adapted to be suspended from the sheet with said members respectively resting on said selected bond elements, the extremities of said members being hook shaped and adapted to engage the rear edges of the corresponding bond elements when the ilanges abut the sheet.

HAROLD A. MEYRICK.

CERTIFICATE oF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,159,905. December 15,. 1958.

of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page l, second Colwyn, line 52,*for the word lbecomes'f read become; page 2, first collimn, line 55, for "interse-ction" read intersecting; and second column, line 26', for "yvitth" read with; page first column, line 5b., claim 7, before "bond" I insert selected; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with case in the Patent Offi.ce. l

Signed and sealed this 11| th day of February, A. D.. 1959.

Henry Van Arsc'lale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

